News Summary
A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Greenback, Tennessee, causing tremors widely felt across the region, including parts of Georgia and North Carolina. Despite over 40,000 reports to the USGS, only light damage was recorded and no significant injuries were reported. Eastern Tennessee is known for its seismic activity, with a 5% chance of aftershocks in the coming week.
Greenback, Tennessee – A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck east Tennessee at approximately 9 a.m. EDT on Monday, with the epicenter located near Greenback. This small town is situated about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Knoxville, making it a notable location for seismic activity.
The earthquake was registered at a depth of roughly 15 miles (24 kilometers) and was widely felt across the region, prompting over 40,000 reports to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the first hour following the seismic event. Residents as far away as metro Atlanta and various areas in north Georgia reported experiencing tremors, while light shaking was noted in parts of western North Carolina, Nashville, and Charlotte.
Despite the widespread nature of the tremors, reports indicate that there was only light damage in the vicinity of the epicenter, with no significant injuries or severe structural damage confirmed. Local government officials have not reported any incidents that would suggest greater impacts from the quake at this time.
Eastern Tennessee is recognized as one of the most active seismic zones in the southeastern United States. This region has a history of earthquakes, including a recent 4.4 magnitude earthquake that occurred in December 2018, which also shook areas as far as Atlanta. Geologically, the eastern U.S. differs from western regions, allowing seismic waves to transmit further and be felt over larger distances.
In sum, the earthquake near Greenback has not resulted in significant damage or injuries, but it has served as a reminder of the geological dynamics present in this region of the United States, which, despite being relatively infrequent, can experience notable seismic occurrences. As residents and officials assess the situation, they remain alert to the possibility of follow-up tremors, which could further impact the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Felt Across North Georgia and Metro Atlanta
Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake Rattles Southeastern Tennessee
4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Atlanta Metro Area
4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Tennessee and Georgia Regions
Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- CNN News
- Google Search: Tennessee earthquake
- Fox Weather
- Google Scholar: Tennessee earthquake
- Atlanta News First
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- AJC
- Google News: Tennessee earthquake
- New York Times
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